Before the Internet was around, real estate brokers went through a problem getting would-be investors from afar.

In and of itself real estate brokers have come to rely greatly on the Internet for many things nevertheless this is particularly how it is regarding identifying promising international real estate buyers.

International home buyers acquired $153 billion of U.S. domestic real estate in the 12 months thru March 2017, a rise of nearly 50% based on the last 12 months and over 10 percent of the market industry by sales volume! All numbers in this article sourced from NAR (National Association of Realtors) and are thought to be valid.

“Contributing to the attraction of this significant and developing market segment, a lot of these transactions provide agents a large pay day. And even the reality that many foreign investors are well-off wealthy globalists on the lookout for worthwhile opportunities or even premium luxurious second or holiday properties.” says Cody Tritter, a Calgary realtor.

Like most things, there are many things to think about before merely thinking you’re gonna target international real estate buyers. It is usually a challenge and you may need some assistance.

Attaining this sector of the marketplace however will include overcoming some hurdles including language and currency exchange to name a few. Routinely though many international buyers aren’t going to buy in to a country without doing their homework and having steps in place to eliminate any “lost in translation” concerns.

Of all countries currently taking part in the United States real estate sector, China unmistakably dominates and is responsible for over half the total international sales volume in the US alone. All this despite the many dissimilarities in culture, language and trading practices.

Permit us to explain how you can enter this segment of the real estate marketplace.

CPROP’s end-to-end digital exchange administration system was made to present real estate professionals to international prospects and enable them to securely and transparently close deals.

The quick solution is that it involves tech that facilitates correspondence and links a group of screened companies to work with others on ushering a deal from contact to close. The following are 3 ways real estate agents can seize this huge opportunity.

Be a part of a honest international platform

Opting to focus more on international real estate buyers and sellers in one thing but making a success out of it is something else altogether. Don’t go getting all dollars signs in your eyes rather than meticulously researching where on the internet these communities may possibly exist. Once you have located them you’ll have to hedge inwards and gain trust within the international real estate investor community.

In the event that the system boasts a professional directory with unfiltered consumer ratings and ratings plus automated translations, even better.

Think reliability and security

As the old saying goes, long distance relationships scarcely last, still in this case they can and do you simply just have to get ready specifically in the case of cross language communications.

Have an understanding that within each international real estate deal there has to be internal security and external trust factors to tackle to ensure consistent transactions.

Technology shifts at an astounding rate and today blockchain technology has came into the mix and from then on changed the manner real estate agents do business from the internet. Each time a contract is done and carried through, it can be recorded to the blockchain, generating an immutable delivered record validated by a system of oftentimes thousands of computers, hence effectively avoiding any unnoticed changes to a contract.

What is more another excellent upside to utilising crypto currency in transactions is the protection for the buyer in knowing their money is safe and secure.

Request dependable, streamlined collaboration

There is no questioning the difficulty in closing even a regional deal and yet when you get started on dealing with international buyers and sellers there’s a laundry list of new obstructions you’ll have to cross among them language barriers.

“Allow me to ask you one thing: at any given time are you aware, in real-time, the state of any of your leads in your pipeline?” asks reknown attorney, Fernando Lopez, and digital currency expert in international real estate transactions.

All of this being said, couldn’t you recognize that an all-inclusive digital transactions SaaS system built to satisfy international real estate transactions from beginning to end, be a welcome addition to all real estate agents? Let’s face the facts, any real estate broker doing work with international home buyers and sellers would be able to take advantage of an extensive SaaS application that not only simplifies communications but at the same time assures security for the two sides.

So once you decide on buying or selling a property in Canada, what is the first step you’ll take? Like most people, you’ll contact the nearest real estate consultant.

The procedure appears to be easy where you hire someone you can trust and let them take care of things for you. The main question that arises in this situation is whether to go for a real estate agent or a realtor.

For many of us, both appear to be very similar but in reality, they are not. There are a few major differences between them and everyone should know these before stepping into the real estate market.

Realtors Belong to the CREA:

There are certain rules and regulations that people dealing with real estate in Canada need to abide by. Both agents and realtors have to pass an initial training to become a qualified real estate assistant for buyers and sellers.

However, the Canadian government requires all realtors (not agents) to be a professional member of the CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association).

Check out their Business Cards:

You will not understand which one of the two categories the person you hired belongs to unless you ask. The best way to find out is viewing their job profile or checking out their business card.

Realtors have an official trademarked Realtor symbol on their cards which they present quite gladly.

Realtors Still Follow the Moral Code of 1913:

All Realtors in Canada have to follow a moral code and ethical values taught during their training. The moral code these realtors adhere to has been in place for 104 years.

The code cannot be explained here, however, some of the main practices it teaches are to disclose in writing who the realtor is representing and also have to disclose their identity as a realtor if they want to have a share in the interest of any property.

The certification of CREA verified Realtor is annulled if he is found guilty of breaking the code.

Realtors Must Keep Learning:

Certified Realtors have to study ethical values throughout their careers. They need to be well educated about the latest laws, regulations and customer behavior as well.

Supervised pieces of training are provided to keep them aware of the market situation and how they can help people close down deals more effectively.

For most homeowners, you want to get the best return on your investment when you decide to sell your home. According to renowned real estate agent Suzanne McGhee, getting the highest ROI ultimately comes down to a number of factors including location, market conditions, and proximity to transportation – you have the ability to control the reputation of your home.

As not all renovations are alike, it is important to decide what areas need help in to help you get the best return.

Here are the five best home improvements that will bring you the highest ROI.

Floors

Upgrading your floor is common, but the necessary home improvement that will quickly gain more than 50% in return. Wall-to-wall carpets might feel cozy for some parts of the house, but it is undesirable and outdated for areas like the dining room. Tiles or hardwood flooring are the popular choices, but laminate may also work.

Fixtures

The easiest way to update your home is to get rid of old fixtures and hardware. Updating your light fixtures or cabinet handles are easy to replace and can modernize any room instantly. Just be sure to choose contemporary and neutral finishes to help interest a broad variety of tastes.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are always in demand for style, and it is no surprise that an updating bathroom brings in nearly 75-100% return on investment. While these spaces are highly functional, Homebuyers desire to have the spa-like space. Stick to neutral colors and materials.

Kitchen

A modern kitchen is up high on the wish list of many buyers. While this may be costly, you will gain as much as 100% return on your investment. If you cannot give your entire kitchen a facelift, consider changing the countertop, replacing outdated fixtures or polishing your floors.

Space

The best way to increase the overall value of your home is to add space. Wither it’s a two-story addition or basemen, the more room, the better.

“Whether you plan to sell or in it for the long haul, making smart renovations will ensure that you get the highest ROI when the time comes”, added Denk, a long time top producing real estate professional.

Buying a home is one of the most exciting things you can ever do in your life. But it can also be terrifying if you have no idea what you’re doing. How you experience the home buying process is determined by how well you are prepared and what you know.
Here are 6 steps for the first-time home buyer.

1. Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approved home buyers are often preferred when it comes to negotiating a home purchase. Merely because they are proven to be more financially qualified and considered for being more serious about buying a home. This will also serve as a reality check if you are unsure of a home you may not be able to afford.

2. Find a Realtor

Find a Realtor you can depend on in helping you find the home of your dreams. They are the key to helping you find the home you want in the area you want for the price you want. Be sure to ask for references as most qualified agents will happily provide them.

3. Search for Homes

The fun part about searching for a home is the search. For example if you are searching for Kelowna homes for sale, you’ll want to start by creating a checklist of all the features you want as this will help narrow down your search. Call your agent and have them do the research before looking.

4. Find a Home and Make an Offer

Once you’ve narrowed your list down, it is time to decide on what you like. When you take a decision on the home, your agent will make an analysis of the given property to help determine the market value of the home.
Decide on home much you are willing to pay for the house passed on the given value. Be realistic and figure out what’s negotiable to you. Make your offer and wait for the seller’s acceptance, rejection or counteroffer.

5. Get Inspections and Do a Walk-through

Ask to inspect the property to help you receive a conditional offer. Your agent is responsible for making sure this step runs smoothly. Agreements allow the buyer to follow a pre-closing inspection to find any immediate problems with the home. This gives sellers enough time to fix anything that is needed.

6. Close in on Your Home and Move in!

Once everything is prepared, you will then sign the mortgage documentation and present the down payment for the home. Make arrangements to move in and get started on your life in a new home.

Follow these steps to set you on the right path of buying a home with ease.

The gorgeous untouched landscapes of British Columbia make it almost impossible to reject the idea of living near icy fjords, jagged mountains, and stunning coastlines. The towns are filled with unique character that you may not find elsewhere.

Here are the five most beautiful towns in British Columbia.

Tofino

With a mix of Canadian heritage and the surf-town style of California, Tofina attracts millions of visitors every year. Torfino is filled with fine dining, art galleries, and scene landscapes. With plenty of activities to do, you can view the Pacific Ocean, hike in the surrounding forests and venture into hot springs.

Prince Rupert

Located on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert is surrounded by icy mists as the town is set on the Skeena River. It is surrounded by coastal rainforests, mountains and overlooks an archipelago of islands.

Ucluelet

As the laid-back town of British Columbia, Ucluelet provides numerous outdoor activities along with many places to eat and shop. The streets are filled with B&Bs, restaurants, artisan shops and more. Head towards the outskirts of town and go for a hike, kayak or even surf.

Whistler

Ranked at the top five ski destination in the world, Whistler held the 2010 Winter Olympics and had only increased to better fame. The town is towered by the Blackcomb Mountains and offers all types of winter sports. There are also summer games that can be enjoyed all year long. Whistler Village is now a favorite place to visit, especially when rooftops are covered in snow.

Nelson

The gorgeous wilderness scenery of Nelson overlooks the dark blue waters of Kootenay Lake. You can find many parks and beaches along the waterfront. The town itself is home to nearly 300 heritage buildings that were built in the 19th- 20th centuries. Many are still well-preserved and have been converted into cafes, galleries, and boutiques.

What other towns in British Columbia are you interested in living? Comment below and let us know.